Parts organizer

ABSTRACT

A parts organizer consistent with certain embodiments hereof has a rack, wherein the rack includes an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, a hanger rod, and mechanism for mounting the rack a mounting surface. A closeable pouch is provided for storage of objects. A magnet is coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface. A clip is coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object for storage. This abstract should not be considered limiting, since other embodiments may incorporate more, fewer or different elements that those described in this abstract.

BACKGROUND

Service technicians for automobiles, aircraft, bicycles, copiers, appliances, electronics and any other devices commonly disassemble the device they are servicing in order to access, adjust or replace defective parts. During this process, small parts such as screws, nuts, bolts, clips, pins, plugs and/or other components are often removed. Many such technicians often loose or misplace such parts due to failure to utilize an organization system to temporarily store such parts. As a result, the technician may waste time searching for or trying to identify such parts when it is time to reassemble the device being serviced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain exemplary embodiments may be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an organizer rack consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an organizer rack consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of another embodiment of an organizer rack consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary parts storage pouch consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a magnet and clip assembly consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pen and labels consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the pouches connected to the magnet and clip assembly suspended from the organizer rack in a manner consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a parts storage pouch attached to a metal tool chest in a manner consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a pair of pouches attached to an automobile magnetically and using the clip in a manner consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of an embodiment of pouch 50 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. Additionally, specific dimensions and materials are provided for exemplary embodiments, but such specific dimensions and materials should not be considered limiting in any way on the invention.

Certain embodiments consistent with the present invention provide a mechanism that lessens the problems associated with organization of parts when servicing an automobile or other device. This is accomplished, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, by providing a parts organizing system in which organizer bags or pouches are used which can be temporarily stored either on an organizer rack or by attaching to a convenient location adjacent a location of the service operation. For example, the organizer pouch can be attached to an automobile that is being serviced, or stored on an organizer rack until needed.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a front view of an organizer rack 10 consistent with certain embodiments is depicted. In this embodiment, a base portion 14, in certain embodiments, can be approximately 1¼″ tall by 17″ long (but of course other dimensions are also suitable). The base portion 14 can be made of wood, plastic or other suitable material without limitation. In the present embodiment, a pair of mounting tabs 16 and 18, in this example each having a screw hole, are connected to the base portion 14, one at each end to facilitate mounting the organizer rack 10 to a suitable surface such as a wall by use of screws passing through the screw holes of the mounting tabs. The mounting tabs 16 and 18 may be attached to the base portion 14 in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of mounting tabs or equivalent structures (e.g., keyholes on the rear of the base portion or relocation or rearrangement of the mounting tabs) can be used.

On the front surface of the base portion 14, an attaching surface strip 22 is provided which has properties that will permit a magnet to adhere to the attaching surface. Generally, this means that the attaching surface 22 is made of a metal such as iron or steel that will adhere to a magnet. The attaching surface 22 may be attached by means of an epoxy or other adhesive to the base portion 14, or may be attached by way of screws or other fasteners to the base portion 14. In the present embodiment, the attaching surface 22 is approximately 16½0 inches long by one inch tall.

A stiff wire hanger rod 26 is suspended below the base portion 14. The hanger rod 26 is generally U-shaped with inward bends at the tops of the U-shape to permit the inward bends to be inserted into suitable holes in the end of the base portion 14. The bottom portion of the U-shape is approximately 17 inches long in this embodiment, and the wire is approximately 3/16 inches in diameter, but again, all dimensions should be considered exemplary and not limiting in any manner. It will be appreciated that other configurations of hanger rods could also be used without departing from certain embodiments consistent with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a rear view of an embodiment of the organizer rack 10 in which an array of magnets 30 is provided on a rear surface of the base portion in order to permit the organizer rack 10 to be mounted to a metallic surface such as a tool chest, metal plate, metal sign or other metal surface such as the body of an automobile. The magnets 30 can be attached to the base portion using epoxy or other adhesives or by use of mechanical fasteners such as screws.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the organizer rack 10 is depicted in which a rectangular magnetic strip 34 is used in place of the array of magnets. This again permits the organizer rack 10 to be mounted to a metallic surface such as a tool chest, metal plate, metal sign or other metal surface such as the body of an automobile. The magnetic strip 34 can be attached to the base portion using epoxy or other adhesives or by use of mechanical fasteners such as screws.

Thus, in accordance with certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a hanger rack has an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, a hanger rod, and a mechanism for mounting the rack a mounting surface. Mounting tabs and/or magnets can be used to attach the hanger rack to a suitable surface as desired. The attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere is provided so that parts can be stored on the hanger rack by attaching a holder carrying the parts with a magnet that is stuck to the attaching surface. The hanger rod is suspended below the attaching surface so that parts can be stored on the hanger rack by clipping a holder carrying the parts to the hanger rod.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a parts storage bag or pouch 50 is provided inside which parts can be temporarily stored during the course of performing service on a device such as an automobile. Pouch 50 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of an oil resistant material. The pouch 50, in accordance with this exemplary embodiment, is approximately 5″ wide by approximately 6″ tall, but other sizes may also be used without limitation.

The pouch is assembled by sewing or otherwise creating a seam (e.g., by folding, heat seals or adhesive) along the bottom and two sides of the pouch 50. The pouch is preferably a closeable pouch 50 in order to help assure against loss of the items stored in the pouch 50. The pouch 50 can be closed using any number of techniques including, but not limited to a draw string, a snap, a hook and loop fastener closure mechanism, a button, a zipper, or any other suitable closure mechanism, such as those used to close purses (“purse closures” herein), can be used. Any suitable purse closure mechanism can be used including, but not limited to the type of closure that has a pair of beads on a rigid frame that interlock when the purse is closed, or the type of closure that is held open and closed by a spring member that snaps into an open position in which the opening is held open until the spring is snapped closed. Numerous other closures are also suitable.

In the embodiment illustrated, a drawstring 54 is pulled through a fabric casing 58 or other equivalent structures (e.g., eyelets, etc.) at the opening of the pouch 50. This fabric casing 58 can be formed by sewing or by use of adhesives or heat sealing depending upon the fabric used for the pouch. In this manner, the pouch can be easily and quickly closed by pulling the drawstring and possibly tying the drawstring in a knot to hold it closed or by pulling a drawstring securing bead 62 down the drawstring to the edge of the pouch 50 in a known manner.

Pouch 50, in accordance with certain embodiments, incorporates an aperture 66 near the opening through which the bag can be secured to the hanger bracket 10 using a magnet and clip assembly as will be described later. This aperture is appropriately sized to receive the magnet and clip assembly and may be approximately ¼″ wide in certain embodiments.

Pouch 50, in accordance with certain embodiments, also incorporates a label window 62 that is attached to one surface of the pouch 50. Such label can be provided by attaching a transparent plastic material to the surface connected along bottom and side edges to permit a label 66 to be inserted into the top in order to identify the contents of the particular pouch. In certain embodiments, this label window is slightly larger than a label used to identify the contents. The labels, for example, may be rectangular approximately 4½″ wide by approximately 2½″ tall.

Pouch 50, in accordance with certain embodiments, also incorporates a viewing window 72 made of transparent material through which the contents of the pouch can be viewed without removal. In this embodiment, the window is situated near the bottom of the pouch and is approximately 4½″ wide by approximately 2½″ tall, but of course, this should not be considered limiting. The window can be formed by cutting out a portion of the pouch body in an appropriate shape (in this case rectangular) and sewing or otherwise attaching (e.g., by adhesive or heat sealing) the window material over the opening.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the previously mentioned magnet and clip assembly 80 is depicted. In this embodiment, a clip such as an alligator clip or other spring loaded clip 84 is attached to a circular magnet 88 (or other shape). The clip 84 should be able to open enough to comfortably accept the hanger rod 26 and clip securely thereto. The magnet should preferably be strong enough to support the weight of the pouch when carrying a reasonable weight load (e.g., several ounces). The clip 84 and the magnet 88 can be attached together using a rivet that passes through a center hole in the magnet and through the body of the clip 84 with a nylon (or other material) strap 92 situated between the clip 84 and the magnet 88. The strap 92 can then hang below the clip 84 and magnet 88 for a length of, for example, two inches, more or less, so that the strap can pass through aperture 66 of pouch 50. Once passed through the pouch 50, the strap 92 can be folded back upon itself as depicted and connected together using a snap fastener at 96 to join the strap and form a loop at the bottom securing the pouch 50 to the magnet and clip assembly 80.

Therefore, one or more pouches 50 is outfitted with magnet and clip assembly 80 in order to provide a mechanism to conveniently attach the pouch 50 to the organizer rack 10. For empty pouches 50, or pouches containing light weight parts, the parts can be stored either on the organizer rack's attaching strip using the magnetic portion of the magnet and clip assembly or can be attached to a convenient nearby surface such as an automobile body or tool chest. Heavier parts can be clipped to any convenient surface using the clip 84 or can be clipped to the hanger rod 26 of the organizer rack 10.

Thus, a parts organizer consistent with certain embodiments hereof has a rack, wherein the rack includes an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, a hanger rod, and mechanism for mounting the rack a mounting surface. A closeable pouch is provided for storage of objects. A magnet is coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface. A clip is coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object for storage.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in accordance to certain preferred embodiments, the present organizer is provided as a system or kit for use by mechanics and other technicians. Included with such a system is, for example, an organizer rack 10 and a selection of pouches 50, for example, five pouches each outfitted with a magnet and clip assembly. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the system can include a pen 104 (e.g., a permanent marker such as a Sharpie® brand marker) and a supply of labels 108. Certain of the labels may be blank while others may, at least on one surface, be preprinted with the name of common parts that are encountered (e.g., screws, nuts, etc.), while others may be partially labeled to facilitate use by the technician while providing space to further identify the parts (e.g. “______ screws”, etc.). In addition, for systems designed for use by mechanics, a supply of adhesive label tags 112 can be provided for use, for example, in labeling vacuum lines or as a key to reassembly.

FIG. 7, depicts the storage rack in use storing parts on the organizer rack 10. In this example, three pouches 50 are shown attached to the organizer rack. The left-most pouch 50 is attached to the attaching surface 22 by use of magnet 88 with pouch 50 hanging from strap 92 below. The center and right-most pouch are shown suspended from hanger rod 26 by use of clips 84. For ease of illustration, these pouches are depicted as open, but could be closed by use of drawstrings 54 or other closure mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 8, it is noted that a convenient aspect of certain embodiments is the ability to attach the pouches 50 to any convenient surface that is compatible with magnetic attachment. Conveniently, tool chests such as 120 are often made of metal and are often near by a scene of mechanic work. Thus, pouch 50 can be easily stored on the side of the tool chest 120 or other suitable magnetic surface.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an automobile body 130 is depicted with hood open for service. During the course of service, a pouch 50 can conveniently be attached to the automobile body as shown to the right, using the magnet 88. Alternatively, as shown at the top left, the pouch 50 can be secured using the clip 84 to any convenient structure, such as the framework of the hood or to any other convenient item to which the clip 84 can be attached. Additionally, the pouch can conveniently be attached to the mechanic or technician's belt, belt loop, pocket or other part of the mechanic's clothing to keep the parts conveniently at hand or to easily transport them from place to place.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a rear view of an embodiment of pouch 50 is depicted. In this embodiment, closure of the pouch 50 is depicted as being accomplished using a zipper 150 rather than draw strings. As previously mentioned, the closure can similarly be accomplished using other mechanisms such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, etc. In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 10 utilizes one or more additional magnets 154 (three are depicted, but more or fewer could also be used without departing from the invention. These magnets can be attached to the pouch 50 using any suitable mechanism such as an adhesive. By providing additional magnets to the rear of the pouches, additional magnetic strength can be obtained, thus permitting the pouches 50 to be secured to a metal object while carrying a heaver load than would be possible using magnet 88 alone. In this embodiment, three flexible rectangular strips of magnetic material are used, but other arrangements are also possible.

Using the present system, a mechanic or technician can easily organize parts near the site of service and avoid lost time searching for parts and minimize the chance of loss of the parts.

Thus, a parts organizer consistent with certain embodiments has a rack, the rack including an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, wherein the attaching surface is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having first and second ends, a hanger rod that extends from approximately the first end to approximately the second end and is shaped to hang below the attaching surface, and a mechanism for mounting the rack a mounting surface. A closeable oil resistant pouch is provided for storage of objects, the pouch including a viewing window that permits viewing the contents of the pouch. A label pocket is attached to the pouch for carrying a label that identifies the contents of the pouch. A magnet is coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface. A clip is coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object of storage.

A parts organizer system according to certain preferred embodiments has a rack, the rack including an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, wherein the attaching surface is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having first and second ends, a hanger rod that extends from approximately the first end to approximately the second end and is shaped to hang below the attaching surface, a pair of mounting tabs, each of which accepts a screw, for mounting the rack to a surface using screws, and a magnetic mounting means for mounting the rack to a metal surface. A closeable oil resistant pouch is provided for storage of objects, the pouch including a viewing window that permits viewing the contents of the pouch, wherein the pouch is closeable by use of at least one of the following: a draw string, a snap, a hook and loop fastener closure mechanism, a button, a zipper. A label pocket is attached to the pouch for carrying a label that identifies the contents of the pouch. A first magnet is coupled to the closeable pouch by a strap that passes through an aperture in the pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface. A clip is coupled to the magnet so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object of storage. A second is magnet attached to a surface of the pouch Label stock and a pen are provided for creating hand made labels. A plurality of preprinted labels is also provided. Adhesive vacuum line labels can also be supplied.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon consideration of the present description, that many variations are possible without departing from the invention. By way of example, the shapes, dimensions and materials described should be considered exemplary and other materials can be utilized. Additionally, other pouch closure mechanisms can be used. Other types of clips are suitable as are other magnet shapes and other geometric configurations of the organizer rack. Many other variations will also become apparent upon consideration of the present teaching.

It should also be noted that although the present embodiment is depicted as having a separate hanger base portion 14, attaching surface 22, mounting tabs 16 and 18, and hanger rod 26, other embodiments could readily be devised in which two or more of these elements are unitary in construction. For example, the attaching surface and mounting tabs could be fabricated from the same material and be formed as a unitary part. Similarly, the base portion could be fabricated as the same unitary part containing the hanger rod and/or the mounting tabs and the attaching surface. Any number of combinations and variations could be devised and should, thus, not be considered outside the bounds of the present invention.

While specific embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. 

1. A parts organizer, comprising: a rack, the rack comprising: an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, a hanger rod, and means for mounting the rack a mounting surface; a closeable pouch for storage of objects; a magnet coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface; and a clip coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object for storage.
 2. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is fabricated of oil resistant material.
 3. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the pouch further includes a viewing window that permits viewing the contents of the pouch.
 4. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the pouch further includes a label pocket for carrying a label that identifies the contents of the pouch.
 5. The parts organizer according to claim 4, further comprising label stock and a pen for creating hand made labels.
 6. The parts organizer according to claim 4, further comprising a label for use in the label pocket.
 7. The parts organizer according to claim 6, wherein the label comprises at least one of a preprinted label, a modified preprinted label and a hand made label.
 8. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the pouch is closeable by use of at least one of the following: a draw string, a snap, a hook and loop fastener closure mechanism, a button, a zipper, and a purse closure.
 9. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the pouch further includes at least one magnet attached to a surface thereof.
 10. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means further comprises at least one of a mounting tab that accepts a mounting screw, and a magnetic mounting means.
 11. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the attaching surface is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having first and second ends.
 12. The parts organizer according to claim 1, wherein the hanger rod comprises a wire that extends from approximately the first end to approximately the second end and is shaped to hang below the attaching surface.
 13. The storage pouch according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is attached to the clip, and wherein the pouch is attached to the magnet and the clip by a strap that passes through an aperture in the pouch.
 14. The storage pouch according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vacuum line label tags.
 15. A parts organizer, comprising: a rack, the rack comprising: an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, wherein the attaching surface is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having first and second ends, a hanger rod that extends from approximately the first end to approximately the second end and is shaped to hang below the attaching surface, and means for mounting the rack a mounting surface; a closeable oil resistant pouch for storage of objects, the pouch including a viewing window that permits viewing the contents of the pouch; a label pocket attached to the pouch for carrying a label that identifies the contents of the pouch; a magnet coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface; and a clip coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object for storage.
 16. The parts organizer according to claim 15, further comprising label stock and a pen for creating hand made labels, and a plurality of preprinted labels.
 17. The parts organizer according to claim 15, wherein the pouch is closeable by use of at least one of the following: a draw string, a snap, a hook and loop fastener closure mechanism, a button, a zipper, and a purse closure.
 18. The parts organizer according to claim 15, wherein the pouch further includes at least one magnet attached to a surface thereof.
 19. The parts organizer according to claim 15, wherein the mounting means further comprises at least one of a mounting tab that accepts a screw, and a magnetic mounting means.
 20. A parts organizer system, comprising: a rack, the rack comprising: an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, wherein the attaching surface is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having first and second ends, a hanger rod that extends from approximately the first end to approximately the second end and is shaped to hang below the attaching surface, a pair of mounting tabs, each of which accepts a screw, for mounting the rack to a surface using screws, and a magnetic mounting means for mounting the rack to a metal surface; a closeable oil resistant pouch for storage of objects, the pouch including a viewing window that permits viewing the contents of the pouch, wherein the pouch is closeable by use of at least one of the following: a draw string, a snap, a hook and loop fastener closure mechanism, a button, a zipper and a purse closure; a label pocket attached to the pouch for carrying a label that identifies the contents of the pouch; a first magnet coupled to the closeable pouch by a strap that passes through an aperture in the pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface; a clip coupled to the magnet so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object for storage; a second magnet attached to a surface of the pouch; label stock and a pen for creating hand made labels; a plurality of preprinted labels; and a plurality of adhesive labels.
 21. A storage pouch for storing objects, comprising: a closeable pouch for storage of objects; a viewing window that permits viewing the contents of the pouch; a label pocket attached to the pouch for carrying a label that identifies the contents of the pouch; a magnet coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be attached magnetically to the attaching surface of the rack or to an alternate metal surface; and a clip coupled to the closeable pouch so that the pouch can be suspended from the hanger rod by clipping the clip to the hanger rod, or can be clipped to another object for storage;
 22. The storage pouch according to claim 21, wherein the closeable pouch is fabricated of oil resistant material.
 23. The storage pouch according to claim 21, wherein the pouch is closeable by use of at least one of the following: a draw string, a snap, a hook and loop fastener closure mechanism, a button, a zipper and a purse closure.
 24. The parts organizer according to claim 21, wherein the pouch further includes at least one magnet attached to a surface thereof.
 25. The storage pouch according to claim 21, wherein the magnet is attached to the clip, and wherein the pouch is attached to the magnet and the clip by a strap that passes through an aperture in the pouch.
 26. A hanger rack for a parts organizer, comprising: an attaching surface to which a magnet will adhere, so that parts can be stored on the hanger rack by attaching a holder carrying the parts with a magnet that is stuck to the attaching surface; a hanger rod suspended below the attaching surface, so that parts can be stored on the hanger rack by clipping a holder carrying the parts to the hanger rod; and means for mounting the rack a mounting surface.
 27. The parts organizer according to claim 23, wherein the mounting means further comprises at least one of a mounting tab that accepts a mounting screw, and a magnetic mounting means.
 28. The parts organizer according to claim 23, wherein the attaching surface is in the shape of an elongated rectangle having first and second ends.
 29. The parts organizer according to claim 23, wherein the hanger rod comprises a wire that extends from approximately the first end to approximately the second end and is shaped to hang below the attaching surface. 